Founded under the will of John Anderson (1726-1796), Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University of Glasgow, Anderson's (or the Andersonian) Institution was established in 1796. The intention was to establish four faculties, of Arts, Medicine, Law and Theology, though Law and Theology were never founded. Courses in chemistry, natural philosophy, mathematics and other scientific subjects, together with English, rhetoric, music and art were offered. In keeping with John Anderson's views, classes were offered for the mechanics of the city. Among the early professors were eminent men such as Thomas Garnett, George Birkbeck and Thomas Graham. In 1828 the institution changed its name to Anderson's University and in 1877 it changed again to Anderson's College, as it lacked a royal warrant to function as a university.
An important part of the institution (founded in 1799) was Anderson's Medical School, of which David Livingstone was perhaps the most famous alumnus. In 1887, the Medical School became an independent institution, and it eventually merged with the University of Glasgow Medical Faculty in 1947.
Anderson's College merged with other institutions in 1887 to become the main component in the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College.
The secretary carried out the administration of the college.
The Andersonian Museum housed the College's collections of artefacts.
The Committee of Ordinary Managers was responsible for the ordinary administration of the affairs of the college.
The committee was responsible for the management of the college's popular evening classes.
The treasurer looked after the finances of the college.
The trustees were responsible for the management and administration of the college.
Anderson's College joined with other institutions to form the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College (which later became the Royal College of Science and Technology).
The Scientific Society started life as a Society at Anderson's College.
Andrew Fergus was chairman of Anderson's College.
William Raitt was professor of mathematics.
Blyth was Professor of Natural Philosophy at Anderson's College.
Forbes was Professor of Natural Philosophy at Anderson's College.
Sir T. E. Thorpe was professor of chemistry at Anderson's College from 1870 to 1874.
The Young Chair was founded by the president of Anderson's University (which later became Anderson's College).
James Young was president of Anderson's University (which later became Anderson's College).
Herschel was professor of natural philosophy at the College.
Foster was professor of natural philosophy at the University.
Fell was a student at the College.
There were close links between the Geological Society and the College.
James Croll was Keeper of the Andersonian Museum.
Tatlock was a student and then an assistant at the College.
John McGowan was a student at Anderson's University
Allan Glen's Institution was an important feeder school for Anderson's College.
Meetings of the Glasgow Chemists' and Druggists' Association were held in Anderson's University.
Alexander Laing was professor of mathematics at Anderson's College.
William Gregory was professor of chemistry at Anderson's University from 1837 to 1839.
Livingstone was a student at the College.
Moore was a student at the College.
Graham was Professor of Chemistry at Anderson's University (which later became Anderson's College).
John Stenhouse was a student of chemistry at Anderson's University.
James Smith of Jordanhill was president of Anderson's University.
Andrew Buchanan was professor of materia medica at Anderson's Institution from 1828 to 1838.
The Glasgow Mechanics' Institution (which later became the College of Science and Arts) was established by the members of the mechanics' class at Anderson's Institution.
Ure was Professor of Natural Philosophy at Anderson's Institution (later renamed Anderson's College).
George Birkbeck was professor of chemistry and natural philosophy at Anderson's Institution from 1799 to 1804.
John Anderson founded Anderson's Institution (which later became Anderson's College).
John Scouler was lecturer in natural history and curator of the Andersonian Museum.
Colin Brown was the Euing lecturer in music at Anderson's University.
Thomas Atkinson was Lecturer in Craniology at Anderson's Institution (which later became Anderson's College).
The Dilettanti Society operated from the College's buildings.